La Ceiba, the third largest city in Honduras with a population of over 100,000 was powered by the administration of the Standard Fruit Company, which set up headquarters here in 1905. The capital of the department of Atlantida, got its name from a huge Ceiba tree that was next to the beach and provided afternoon shade to the dock-workers and locals.
The Honduran saying "Tegucigalpa thinks, San Pedro Sula works and La Ceiba has fun", refers to La Ceiba's vibrant nightlife and the city's famous carnival.
Nearby natural attractions are the Pico Bonito National Park, Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge, Cayos Cochinos Marine Reserve.
This small ocean-side lagoon is totally surrounded by mangrove forests, where a variety of tropical Acuativ birds can be seen plus the eight troops of monkeys that inhabit the area. Within the village is the opportunity to see the Cacao trees, as well as the sugar cane plantations. A dugout canoe can be taken for a close up look at nature.
La Ceiba is famous for its Carnival week which takes place during May to celebrate the patron saint, San Isidro.
Although not the same as Carnivals in New Orleans and Rio, it is the largest and most important celebration held regularly in Central America. During the week of Carnival, different sectors of town organize night long parties with live bands, plenty of food and drinks.
The 13,255 ha/33,000ac Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge protects 35 different species of animals including jaguars, ocelots, sloths, boa constrictors and in the water, the park's mascot, the manatee.
Almost 200 different species of birds, representing about one quarter of the total bird species in Honduras are found here. A rich variety of vegetation supports the animal life.
There is regularly scheduled bus service throughout Honduras but each inter-city bus company has its own bus depot, making it inconvenient when transferring from one bus company to another. The only major city with a centralized bus station is La Ceiba. There is major bus service from San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. The options include deluxe non-stop service with air-conditioning and movies on board, non-stop service, which may or may not include air conditioning, and the basic Central American chicken bus service.
This museum offers an exhibit of over 5000 preserved butterflies, most of them from Honduras plus over 1000 other insects. Exhibits include butterfly traps, information posters, night collecting set-ups and a 25 minute video on insects in both English and Spanish.
Address: La Ceiba Butterfly and Insect Museum, Colonia El Sauce Segunda Etapa Casa G-12/ box 720, La Ceiba, Atlantida , Honduras
An interesting Garífuna community on the beach, Sambo Creek presents an opportunity to get a glimpse of the Garífuna culture and enjoy the beach at the same time.
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